Glove and hairbrush combination

ABSTRACT

A combination hairstyling product includes a glove, a brush element, and at least one styling element. The glove has separate thumb and forefinger portions and a combined portion for receiving the middle, ring, and pinky fingers. The brush element has a base and a plurality of bristles extending therefrom, disposed on at least a palm side of the glove and occupying a substantial portion of the area corresponding to the combined portion and the palm. The at least one styling element is disposed on either the forefinger portion or the thumb portion of the glove in order to cooperate with the brush portion or be used separately in a styling technique carried out using the product.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/446,101, filed Jan. 13, 2017, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a hair care product. More particularly, thisdisclosure relates to a combination product combining a glove and ahairbrush.

BACKGROUND

Very few things in life beat the feeling of leaving a salon with aprofessional cut, style, and blow-out. Professional hairstylists justknow how to use their hairbrushes and blow-dryers efficiently andeffectively to give their client the desired look. In between visits,however, the client becomes a home-stylist, and a self-stylist at that,working on themselves. Often, the home-stylist becomes lost in theplethora of choices of brushes to use, or lack of the right brush, orhow to use them. In many cases, the home stylist reverts to a morenatural instrument for attempting to get that fresh from the salonlook—their hand and/or fingers.

Using their hand and/or fingers provides a level of comfort and controlthat most home-stylists simply cannot achieve while wielding a brush,particularly while simultaneously using a blow-dryer in the other hand.The process can rekindle the ubiquitous childhood memory of having around brush wrapped, seemingly permanently, in one's hair.Unfortunately, what the home-stylist gains in comfort and control theylose in other areas, such as, but not limited to, coverage, effect, andother factors. Add to this the fact that the human hand is not adaptedto be exposed to the heat of a hair dryer, and the process can result,minimally, in discomfort, but can also lead to dry skin or even a burn.

Simply put, the hand and fingers are relatively crude tools whencompared to even a simple hairbrush, even when handled by thehome-stylist.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides a combined glove and hairbrush, which, amongother things, combines the advantages of a hairbrush with the comfort,control, and familiarity of your hand.

The combination hairbrush glove described herein include a glove, and anintegrated brush occupying a substantial portion of the middle, ring,and pinky fingers as well as the palm below them. In some embodiments,additional bristles or brush-like members are provided on either or boththe thumb and forefinger. Some embodiments may further includeadditional styling implements. The additional styling implements mayinclude, but are not limited to different brush styles, differentbristle types, picks, combs, thermal elements (e.g., to emulate aflat-iron or curling-iron), etc.

In some embodiments, the various brush and/or styling implements may bepermanent or independently removable and interchangeable. In someembodiments, the glove is right- or left-hand specific. In otherembodiments, the brush and/or styling implements can be selectivelyremoved and replaced to facilitate either right- or left-handed use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are bestunderstood from the following detailed description when read inconnection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodimentsthat are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that theinvention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed.Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a combination glove and hairbrush in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIGS. 2A-E are top views of various combined finger portions of thecombination glove and hairbrush according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 2F-J are top views of various forefinger portions of thecombination glove and hairbrush according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 2K-L are top views of various thumb portions of the combinationglove and hairbrush according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 a schematic showing styling element sleeves for some embodiments;

FIG. 4 depicts possible locations of flat/curling iron styling elementsfor some embodiments; and

FIGS. 5A-D are cross-sectional top views of various combined fingerportions of the combination glove and hairbrush according to someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As will be appreciated from the disclosure below, any number ofcombinations of brushes or styling elements may be employed withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The drawings andembodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative in nature andare not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a combined glove and brushdevice 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the device 10 includes a baseglove 12, a brush element 14, and one or more styling elements 16.

The glove 12 forms the foundation for the entire product. In anexemplary embodiment, the base glove 12 resembles what some people referto as a “shooter's mitten.” That is, it is a mitten having a separateforefinger and thumb, while the middle, ring, and pinky fingers areenveloped together in a mitten-like enclosure, sometimes referred toherein as a combined portion 18. The combined portion 18 is opposed tothe forefinger portion 20 and the thumb portion 22 of the glove 12. Thecombined portion 18 provides a mitten area 24 for the brush element 14,which may occupy a substantial portion of the area corresponding to thecombined portion 18 and the palm of the glove 12.

The arrangement of the glove 12 provides freedom of movement for thethumb and forefinger while providing a relatively large (in width andlength) area for the brush element 14 on the mitten area 24. Thisarrangement is particularly useful for emulating a paddle brush.

While we characterize the combined portion 18 as mitten-like, it neednot be a conventional mitten construction. FIGS. 5A-D illustrate variouscross-sectional top views of an internal portion of the combined portion18. As shown in FIG. 5A, the combined portion 18 could be a conventionalmitten structure having a single opening and internal area toaccommodate the three fingers. In other embodiments, such as FIG. 5B,the internal area can be provided with rings, loops, or similar elementsto provide separate areas for each finger. In the embodiment of FIG. 5C,the internal area can be divided by internal “walls” to provideindividual slots for each finger. In the embodiment of FIG. 5D, the“mitten” area can actually be made by individual fingers which may beconnected together by stitching, adhesive, or other means, such assecuring them to a brush backer as discussed below.

The glove 12 may be made of any suitable material from cotton tosilicone. The glove 12 may be constructed of conventional materials thatare used for various types of gloves, particularly heat-resistant gloveswhich are known and used in many fields, including for hairstyling. Insome embodiments, particularly those for use by professionals or duringhair treatments, the material may also be chemical-resistant.

It will be appreciated that the glove 12 may also be provided with otherfeatures such as, but not limited to padding, insulation, ventilation, awrist enclosure (e.g., elastic, strap, hook and loop, etc.), and otherfeatures or combination of features. The glove 12 could also be ofvarious sizes to accommodate different sized users.

As described above, the glove provides 12 a relatively large surface forthe mitten area 24, upon which the brush element 14 may be placed. Thisarea generally occupies substantially all or a portion of the areagenerally identified as the mitten area 24, which includes the area ofthe middle, ring, and pinky fingers, as well as a portion of the palm.In some embodiments, the brush element 14 may also extend to the outeredge of the hand, and may even wrap around to the top side of the hand(opposite the palm).

The relative stiffness or flexibility of the brush element 14 can bedesigned to accommodate the user's preference. In some embodiments, thebrush element 14 can be relatively stiff, truly emulating a stiff brush.In others, the brush element 14 can be flexible, adding comfort to thedevice 10, and allowing the user to mirror the shape of their head. Ofcourse, in most instances, somewhere in-between will probably strike theright balance.

The brush area 14 may be configured to emulate traditional brush typesor hybrid variants thereof. For example, the brush area can beconfigured to emulate a paddle brush, a half-round radial brush, a roundbrush, or hybrids thereof. Through the years, many brush styles haveevolved, each implementing different characteristics to achieve desiredeffects. Any of these may be used or the concepts behind the designincorporated into the disclosed combined glove and hairbrush; that is,the brush and styling elements can be made to achieve the desiredpurposes of the various existing brush styles. Brushes are typicallydesigned to straighten and smooth the hair, to create volume, to teasethe hair (volume), or for detangling. FIGS. 2A-2E are top views of thecombined portion 18 and provide non-limiting examples of possible brushelements 14 that may be used in combination with the device 10.

In one example (e.g., FIG. 2A), the brush element 14 can be configuredto emulate a paddle brush by providing a plurality of bristles 26 on arelatively stiff base 28, which is located in the brush area, typicallyoccupying a substantial portion of the mitten area and the palm. Thestiffness of the base 28 can vary depending on the need, and desiredcomfort level. One of the styling purposes of the paddle brush is tostraighten hair, particularly longer hair. This is facilitated, in partby the bristles grabbing (and separating) the hair and forcing the hairagainst the relatively flat, stiff base of the paddle brush. As the hairpasses through the bristles and is pressed against the base, it isstraightened and flattened, aided by the effects of the heat from a blowdryer, when used.

A half-round radial brush (e.g., FIG. 2B) can be similarly situated onthe mitten and palm areas. To emulate this style of brush, the base 28is curved away from the palm, in a dome like fashion, to impose a curveor arc. As with the paddle brush, hair is gathered and separated by thebristles and forced against the curved base portion. Again, with theapplication of optional heat, brushing the hair against this curveimparts a curve to the hair, yielding a curl, flip, or other desiredcharacteristic. In some embodiments, the base portion 28 can berelatively stiff or flexible, depending on the need. In someembodiments, the base portion may be provided with vents to facilitatethe movement of air through the hair and the brush.

Another useful style of brush is the round brush. Typically, these areround brushes having bristles around the full 360 degree circumferenceof the brush, these are useful in making curls, flips, ringlets, andother curvy styles. Although the brush element 14 may not be identicalto the round brush since it is not round, providing bristles 26 on acurved base at the edge of the hand can emulate a round brush andachieve the desired effects, as illustrated in FIG. 2C. In someembodiments, the base 28 is provided on the mitten and palm areas andextended to the edge of the hand and even to the top of the hand. Insome embodiments, the mitten and palm area can emulate another style ofbrush, such as a paddle brush or a half-radial brush. In someembodiments, the round brush can be emulated with any of a variety ofdiameters, from as small as the edge of the hand will permit to adesired large diameter that can be achieved by providing a rounded basedextending from the mitten/palm area around the edge of the hand to thetop of the hand. (A round brush can also be emulated on the forefinger,and will be discussed below.) As with other styles, the base can beprovided with vents to facilitate air flow.

These and other brush styles, such as the alternative embodiments shownin FIGS. 2D and 2E, can be emulated through appropriate choice of size,shape, location, etc. of any or all of the base, bristles, and otherdesign choices. As is known in the art, the brush style may also bechosen based on hair type, rather than desired style. For example,different brush styles and/or bristles can be chosen for fine or curlyhair.

Any type of bristle, natural, synthetic, hybrid, or combination can beused as the bristles 26, as well as any arrangement. The arrangement,position, size, height, width, flexibility, frequency, distribution, andother bristle properties may be similar to those of currently availablebrushes, the goal being to emulate existing brush styles or to achievedesired results. The bristles 26 may also include a scalp massagingelement which may help promote hair growth. The bristles 26 may beformed integrally with the base or affixed thereto as is well-known inthe art.

Due to the nature of the glove and the movements of the hand, someconsideration should be given to the arrangement, position, size,height, width, flexibility, frequency, distribution, and other bristleproperties. For example, with respect to size or height of the bristles26, location may demand that the bristles 26 be of reduced height tofacilitate movement of the forefinger or thumb. The considerationbalances the need for sufficient height to grab the hair with the needfor shorter height to allow for adequate mobility.

Within the same brush element 14, various bristles 26 could be used toachieve the desired effect. For example multiple different heights ofbristles 26 can be used, as can natural and synthetic bristles be usedside by side.

The base 28 can be made of any suitable material including but notlimited to metal, plastic, rubber, or combinations thereof. It iscontemplated that the base 28 (and thus the brush element 14) can bepermanently affixed to the glove 12, or that it may be selectivelyremovable to facilitate either different handedness or the swapping ofvarious brush styles with a single glove.

For permanently affixed brushes, the base 28 can be permanently affixedby any suitable means, including but not limited to co-molding,stitching, adhesive, or other methods may be employed. For selectivelyremovable brushes, any suitable means, including but not limited to,hook and loop fasteners, magnets, tongue and groove, or other methodsmay be employed.

The forefinger portion 20 of the glove is separate from the remainingfingers (the combined portion 18) and the thumb portion 22. In the caseof the forefinger portion 20 and thumb portion 22, some embodiments willallow them to remain at least partially bendable to maintain the naturalfeel of the hand. The free nature of the forefinger portion 20 allowsfor comfort, control, and familiarity in use. It also affords theopportunity to provide styling elements 16 separate from that found inthe area of the brush element 14. The styling elements may bespecialized elements which relate to a selected styling procedure. Aswith the brush element 14, these styling elements 16 can be permanent orremovable/interchangeable, and can be independent of the brush element14. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2F, the forefinger portion maybe flat (i.e., with no accessory portion 16).

The forefinger portion 20 is particularly well-adapted to have bristlesarranged in a 360 degree arrangement to emulate a round brush. As notedabove, bristle length is chosen to balance grabbing power with mobilityand other concerns. The forefinger portion 20 can be provided with anynumber of styling elements 16.

In the case of a brush like element, bristles can be provided on any orall surfaces of the forefinger portion 20 to emulate a round brush, aflat brush, a pick, etc. That is, bristles can be provided around theforefinger, on the palm side, the thumb side, between the forefinger andmiddle finger, or on the top side, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS.2G-J.

The thumb portion 22 could be left unadorned to facilitate grasping andother tasks, as shown in FIG. 2K. Alternatively, the thumb portion 22could be outfitted with any of the styling elements 16 discussed herein,to either work in conjunction with the brush element 14 or theforefinger styling element 16 or independently as its own stylingelement. For example, FIG. 2L includes a brush styling element on thethumb portion 22.

As with the brush element 14, the styling elements 16 of the forefingerportion 20 and the thumb portion 22 can be permanently affixed by anysuitable means or made removable and interchangeable. FIG. 3 includes anexemplary embodiment of the device 10 in which the styling elements 16for the forefinger portion 20 are removable and interchangeable. In someembodiments, particularly for the forefinger, the styling element 16 maybe provided on a removable sleeve or tube 30 that can be placed over thefinger, as shown in FIG. 3. In this manner, the forefinger can becomewhatever tool you need for a particular style.

In other embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIG. 4, the forefingerportion 20 may be provided with a metal element 32 as the stylingelement 16 to emulate a flat iron or a curling iron. For obviousreasons, the metal element 32 could be flat or curved. In some suchinstances, a mating metal element 34, 36 could be provided on acorresponding surface of the middle finger or the thumb to facilitateuse. The metal elements 32, 34, 36 hold the heat produced by a hairdryer and when applied to the hair help facilitate the desire effect(flattening or curling) much like their namesake devices.

Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to thepreferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes andmodifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of theinvention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims beconstrued to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination hairstyling product comprising: aglove, having separate thumb and forefinger portions and a combinedportion for receiving the middle, ring, and pinky fingers; a brushelement comprising a base and a plurality of bristles extendingtherefrom, disposed on at least a palm side of the glove and occupying asubstantial portion of the area corresponding to the combined portionand the palm; and at least one styling element disposed on either theforefinger portion or the thumb portion.
 2. The product of claim 1,wherein the styling element is selected from a brush, one or morebristles, a pick, or a flat/curling iron element.
 3. The product ofclaim 2, wherein the styling element is removably attached to the glove.4. The product of claim 3, wherein the styling element is formed on atube or sleeve configured to receive the forefinger portion or the thumbportion of the glove.
 5. The product of claim 1, wherein the glove ismade from material that is heat resistant, chemical resistant, or both.6. The product of claim 1, wherein the brush element is adapted toemulate a brush style selected from a paddle brush, a semi-round brush,a round brush, or a combination thereof.
 7. The product of claim 6,wherein the brush element is removably attached to the glove.
 8. Theproduct of claim 1, wherein the brush element extends to an edge portionand or to a top portion of the combined portion.
 9. The product of claim8, wherein the brush element extends around to a top side of the hand.10. The product of claim 1, wherein an interior portion of the combinedportion is a single opening.
 11. The product of claim 1, wherein aninterior portion of the combined portion is divided into separateopenings by rings, loops, or walls.
 12. A combination hairstylingproduct, comprising: a glove, having separate thumb and forefingerportions and a combined portion for receiving the middle, ring, andpinky fingers; a brush element disposed on at least a palm side of theglove and occupying a substantial portion of the area corresponding tothe combined portion and the palm; and a plurality of removable andinterchangeable styling elements configured to be received by one ormore of the forefinger portion or the thumb portion, wherein each of theplurality of styling elements includes a different specialized featurefor hair styling.
 13. The product of claim 12, wherein the plurality ofstyling elements include different brush configurations.
 14. The productof claim 13, wherein the different brush configurations includedifferent areas that have bristles.
 15. The product of claim 13, whereinthe different brush configurations include different bristleconfigurations.
 16. The product of claim 12, wherein the plurality ofstyling elements include at least one metal element to be used as aflat/curling iron element.